It may be a slippery Christmas for New York shop owners

It has been an unusually warm start to the winter this season. While last year set record snowfalls across the country, this year there has barely been anything to measure. Residents in New York are hoping that they will see snow for Christmas and the forecast shows at least some precipitation.

Whether it is rain or snow, when more precipitation falls more slush is tracked into stores across the city. Store owners have a duty to keep their floors free of slippery slush that could result in slip and fall accidents and injury to patrons.

According to data from the National Safety Council, approximately $70 billion is spent each year on medical claims and workers’ compensation claims made after an employee or patron slips on something slippery, trips on an object left out or falls in the store due to the negligence of the property owner.

Store owners should take every precaution to ensure that their floors are free of the slippery slush that will be brought in through the front door this year. When you walk through a storefront door, you should see mats either outside or inside that will help decrease the amount of water on the floor. If it is wet, a store owner could warn you with a caution sign.

A store owner should routinely walk through the store, looking for any dangerous areas. The owner should also promptly and effectively clean up any spills or slush on the floor when put on notice that the isles may not be clean and clear.

When a store owner fails to keep store floors safe, you may be able to hold them liable for their negligence and to obtain compensation for injuries suffered as the result of a serious fall.

Source: The Sacramento Bee, “‘Tis the Season for Slip, Trip, and Fall Claims,” Dec. 12, 2011